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Positive Changes and Appreciation of Life Among Economic Immigrants in Scotland

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Abstract

Existing qualitative studies focussed predominantly on exploring immigrants’ stress, distress and coping aimed at reducing stress. Little attention has been paid to immigrants’ psychological growth or positive life changes. In the present study, the impact of post-migration experiences on well-being among economic immigrants has been explored. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 17 immigrants. Transcripts were analysed by a deductive and inductive thematic analysis. All immigrants reported positive life changes as a result of migration. Experiences related to migration helped immigrants rebuild their sense of self-worth and find ‘mental peace’ after living a demanding and burdensome life in Poland. Immigrants’ accounts also suggested that their thinking and behaviour patterns may be shaped by their cultural values and socio-economic background. Overall, the study indicates that migration is not merely a stressful life event but can have a positive impact on many aspects of immigrants’ lives and may provide opportunities for personal growth.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Carol Gray-Brunton for her valuable and constructive comments which greatly helped to improve an earlier version of this manuscript. Her willingness to give her time so generously has been very much appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK

    Anna Bak-Klimek, Thanos Karatzias & Rory MacLean

  2. Sighthill Campus Sighthill Court, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH11 4BN, UK

    Anna Bak-Klimek

  3. Department of Nursing and Community Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK

    Lawrie Elliott

  4. Department of Psychology and Allied Health Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK

    Adele Dickson

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  1. Anna Bak-Klimek
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  2. Thanos Karatzias
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Correspondence to Anna Bak-Klimek.

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Bak-Klimek, A., Karatzias, T., Elliott, L. et al. Positive Changes and Appreciation of Life Among Economic Immigrants in Scotland. Int. Migration & Integration 21, 57–76 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-019-00669-w

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